Automotive giant Toyoda Gosei and sports brand Asics have teamed up to launch a shoe made from leather scraps used in steering wheels. After the first project using recycled airbag fabrics in 2023, the two Japanese companies presented the Skyhand OG sneakers, which aims to make a structural recovery of materials – that would otherwise have to be disposed of – in a circular economy perspective.
The idea behind the project
Toyoda, which specialises in plastics and rubber processing for the automotive industry, identified steering wheel leather waste as a resource to be transformed with the help of Asics, which produced the new sneakers. One of the key innovations of this project is the use of leather through a patchwork technique, combining small scraps to reduce waste. This not only makes efficient use of the material, but also gives the shoes a new and highly recognisable aesthetic.
Environmental impact
In addition to the reuse of materials, the project stands out for the reduction of CO₂ emissions. The leather waste comes from the Toyoda Gosei factory in Vietnam, the same country where Asics produces its sneakers. This means that the materials do not have to be transported long distances, thus reducing the ecological footprint of the production process. The initiative is part of a broader vision of sustainability pursued by both companies. For some time now, Toyoda Gosei, with its Re-S brand, has already been converting materials that are difficult to recycle – such as airbag fabrics and steering wheel leathers – into bags and accessories. Asics, for its part, is increasingly integrating recycled materials into its footwear and sportswear collections.
The details
The upper, made from recycled black leather, features details inspired by the stitching on steering wheels, thus working on the refinement of the details, as well as recalling the famous logo of the sportswear company. Already available from February 1, the Skyhand OGs will be available for purchase on Asics’ online store for USD 120.
Images: Asics
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